We are sharing this not to toot our own horn, so to speak, but to demonstrate the impact on these families with such high-needs children and adolescents. The families we work with all have a range of incomes and private insurance whose residential treatment benefits have been exhausted. We have worked with several doctors, teachers, professors, state government employees, engineers, etc. but the majority of families have very little experience with systems and the somewhat ridiculous SSI paperwork. In addition to the stress of dealing with their child/teen and their extreme behavior, they are now faced with tackling confusing forms. In addition to helping them understand the process and then, the specific forms, we also give them a “Parent Self-care Kit”, consisting of a few small toys, adult coloring pages, tea bags, a small Gratitude journal, a breathing exercise to de-stress, etc., all designed to help a parent take just a few minutes to recharge.

Below is an excerpt/testimonial from one of our families:

Dear Libby,

“Thank you so much for coming to our home to bring your support, knowledge, compassion and empathy. All of the details you provided brought peace and comfort. My daughter really enjoyed the fiddle toys and colored pencils. I used the breath(e) and journal already. We are really grateful to have met you and look forward to working with you! Warmly, The_______”

Looking for more tools?

Whether you are a parent, family advocate, or systems professional you will find valuable information in this Toolkit regarding youth in the juvenile justice system experiencing mental health as well as co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.